She never asked him to choose between her and others. The unspoken fear was ‘what if she’s not the chosen one?’
She put up with different forms of abuse, because singlehood appeared to be an abuse of life purpose.
She started wandering in the jungles in a disturbed state of mind, and discovered that life can be lived alone. There’s so much more to life and the world than having partners.
One day, she gathered courage …
and asked him to unveil his real identity.
“The police came looking for you today. I’m not ratting on you, but let me know who or what you are – a criminal, thief, spy, fugitive or someone in disguise. I have a right to know.”
His veneer of arrogance was dropping. Maybe he had sensed the change in her, and knew that just threats and violence will not help.
The revelation was both expected and unexpected. She let out a heart-rending scream.
“It is what I always feared… that when the veil drops, I’ll see emptiness.”
Suddenly, she saw another figure looming large on the horizon. It was her own shadow boldly stepping out. There was nothing left to redeem or be redeemed here.

Such a beautiful story, Reena. It’s touching, intriguing, of fears, of awareness, with an unexpected nice twist.
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Glad you liked it
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Very much.
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I love the intrigue in your story. Very nice!
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Thank you so much, O’Nika!
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All I can say is WOW.
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🙏🙏
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Deep and cryptic. Well done, Reena.
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Thank you, Mason!
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You’re welcome.
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Excellent
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🙏🙏
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I love this! Its intense and secret is so great.
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Thank you so much!
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Welcome and regards.
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Brilliant, I loved the twist at the end.
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Thank you, Diana!
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wow, reena! That was awesome! ❤ well done!
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Thanks a ton, Carol!
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You’re welcome 😊
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Such a great response to the pic. Loved the story.
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Thank you, Usha!
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I like this Reena. You’ve addressed so many fears here. A very empowering and unexpected ending. Thanks for joining in.
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Thanks a ton!
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You’re welcome
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This is a great take, Ma’am. 🙂
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Thank you, Aishwarya!
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What a sinister twist 😱 Enjoyed this, ma’am!!
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Thank you, Aboli!
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